The X-ray absorption fine structure of crystalline selenium under pres
sure from 0 to 10 GPa was studied. The pressure dependence of the firs
t, second and third neighbor distances was determined by a curve fit a
nalysis. The mean square displacement of the first peak increased with
increasing pressure while that of the second peak decreased. These ch
anges are attributed to the weakening of the covalent bond and the str
engthening of the interchain interaction.